Ms Bryce received a briefing from local authorities before meeting residents facing the task of clearing out waterlogged homes.

She complimented Moree on having a professional response to the disaster.

“Many people would be absolutely exhausted. There are some who have not yet recovered from November’s flood,” she said.

“Resilience is the big word. There is a long road to recovery,” Ms Bryce said.

Whilst in the area she also visited Yarraman residents and a cotton farm that had suffered extensive damage.

She then flew by Seahawk helicopter to flood-affected Wee Waa.

There, Ms Bryce met more locals and a group of school students before she called in at the town’s evacuation centre.

The morale-boosting visit from Ms Bryce was welcomed by Moree Plains Shire Mayor Katrina Humphries.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced new government grants on Tuesday worth up to $15,000 for primary producers and small businesses in Moree, Narrabri and Gwydir Local Government areas.

Individuals affected by the floods in those same areas can already claim Centrelink payments of up to $1000 per adult and $400 per child.

Ms Bryce supported the initiative and welcomed government funding.

“The devastation that these floods have left behind cannot and will not go unnoticed,” she said.